Too busy to bother with Superfoods?

Here's a simple guide to super foods that are probably hiding in your cupboard!

From green to blue — superfood trends are taking a fresh new turn.Source:istock

The green superfood trend has been around for some time now.

For years, health enthusiasts have been blending a range of nutrient rich green vegetables, like kale, spinach, celery, avocado and cucumber, for a concentrated low calorie juice or smoothie to kick start the day.

Devotees swear by their daily green juice for glowing skin and boosting energy.

And while there may not be specific evidence to support these claims, there can be nothing wrong with dosing your diet up with greens.

Health gurus have sworn by their daily dose of green juice … until now.Source:istock

But now, it seems green superfoods may have had their day, as another colour of the rainbow is edging it out of the top spot.

Blue juices, smoothies and blue foods in general, are starting to feature more commonly on wholefood cafe menus around the country.

Now, the blue food movement is being touted as the next best thing on the superfood trail.

From green to blue — superfood trends are taking a fresh new turn.Source:istock

The rich antioxidant content of blue and purple foods, including blueberries, blackberries, beetroot, red cabbage and purple carrots are known to offer multiple health benefits.

Specifically, the plant compound anthocyanin, which gives these fruits and vegetables their rich pigment.

Anthocyanin has been shown to help protect the body’s cells from damage, and help to reduce inflammatory compounds in the body.

Naturally, when these fruits and veggies are juiced, the antioxidants molecules are compounded, potentially creating super nutrient rich juices and smoothies.

Blue juices and smoothies are available at most health food stores.Source:Supplied

Blue juices and smoothies are available at most health food stores.Source:Supplied

BLUE POWDERS

You could be forgiven for struggling to compile a list of blue foods, apart from the obvious choice of blueberries.

But now blue superfood powders are being introduced to the market, offering a quick and easy solution for your antioxidant needs.

Expect to see a whole lot more blue algae powder on your favourite smoothie and juice menus.

When added as a concentrated powder to smoothie bowls and juice blends, the result is a rich cobalt blue colour, which adds extra B group vitamins and protein to any mix.

Fans also claim that it acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to reduce inflammation — this health benefit remains to be scientifically proven.

Blue superfoods are rich in antioxidants and are popping up on menus everywhere.Source:Supplied

BEETROOTTo date there have been only a few beetroot juices on the market high in nitrates that can lower blood pressure and improve oxygen transport to the body’s cells.

In fact, dosing the body with concentrated beetroot juice has even been found to improve the performance of elite level cyclists.

Compared to fruit-based juices, beetroot is relatively low in sugars.

As such, this root vegetable makes a lower calorie, high antioxidant alternative to popular fruit juice mixes.